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2026 (MY26) Volkswagen Amarok update announced, adds W600 flagship

Volkswagen Australia is spicing up the Amarok range for 2026 (MY26), announcing a special edition called the Dark Label and a new flagship model called the W600.

The Dark Label comes in as the second-from-the-top variant, featuring special 20-inch matt black ‘Bendigo’ alloy wheels, IQ.Light LED matrix headlights, dark taillight lenses, a black sports bar, side steps and door handles, and a unique X-design front bumper bar in black.

2026 Volkswagen Amarok Dark Label - sports bar

Power comes from the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 producing 184kW and 600Nm, matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission. No changes are made to the hardware, except there’s a black front skid plate, spay-in tub-liner and black tonneau cover.

Coming in as the new flagship, the W600 has been developed in part with Walkinshaw, bringing in improved “dynamic capability” thanks to revisions made for Aussie conditions, Volkswagen says.

Unfortunately, final specs and finer details are yet to be confirmed, but VW says it has been tailored for Australian conditions. It also describes the W600 as the new halo model. Judging by the name, it will use the 600Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine.

2026 Volkswagen Amarok Dark Label - decal

Elsewhere in the MY2026 lineup VW is cutting the 2.0-litre biturbo diesel from the range and instead expanding the availability of the V6 diesel – like the recent Ford Ranger update. There’s a new TSI452 2.3-litre ‘Style’ variant as well, using the turbo-petrol four-cylinder, replacing the outgoing Aventura TSI452.

With the 2.3L engine stepping down to the Style trim level, it means the price comes down for those wanting the petrol engine. The engine continues to produce 222kW and 452Nm, paired with a 10-speed automatic with 4Motion four-wheel drive (4A).

Prices are yet to be confirmed, however, the new lineup will go on sale in a few weeks, with the Dark Label limited to 200 units. Buyers interested in the W600 will have to wait until later this year. See below for the model year 2026 lineup:

2026 Amarok Style 2.3 TSI452
2026 Amarok Style 3.0 TDI600
2026 Amarok Style w/ Tray 3.0 TDI600
2026 Amarok PanAmericana 3.0 TDI600
2026 Amarok Aventura 3.0 TDI600
2026 Amarok Dark Label 3.0 TDI600
2026 Amarok W600 3.0 TDI600

Brett Davis

Brett started out as a motor mechanic but eventually became frustrated working on cars that weren't his. He then earned a degree in journalism and scored a job at Top Gear Australia back in 2008, and then worked at Zoom/Extreme Performance magazines, CarAdvice, and started PerformanceDrive/PDriveTV in 2011 with Josh Bennis. He's now the owner and managing editor here at Driving Enthusiast.

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